Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. It is rich with powerful antioxidant called tannic acid and offers a myriad of health benefits such as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, treat some forms of cancer, promote oral health, manage blood pressure, help with weight control, improve antibacterial activity,…

A flour tortilla is a type of thin flatbread made from finely ground wheat or corn flour. It is a staple in Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Because it is rich in nutrients and has very low-fat content, the tortilla has become a popular and healthier alternative to other types of bread….

An increasing number of individuals are making their own vinegar at home. They believe that homemade vinegar tastes a lot better than commercially available ones which can be too acidic or have a chemical after taste. Concocting their own vinegar also allows them to customize flavor by adding their choice of herbs and spices. Homemade…

Making candies at home is a fun activity for kids and parents. Apart from enjoying these sweet treats yourselves, they can also make excellent gifts to friends and loved ones from afar. Making and selling homemade candies can also be an extra source of income for enterprising individuals. Homemade candies can be hard or soft….

Nothing says summer like fresh-picked cherries. Ripe cherries are great snacks or can be incorporated in pies and other baked goodies. Apart from their flavor, cherries are also packed with impressive nutrients that help soothe muscle and joint pains, control cholesterol, prevent colon cancer, improve eyesight, and promote good sleep.

Bagel is a bread that originated in Poland and has become popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Traditionally made from wheat flour, salt, water, and yeast leavening, bagels come in a variety of flavors including plain, blueberry, cinnamon-raisin and garlic. While hardy and can withstand the rigors of shipping, bagels are…

Sugar cookies are delicious but easy to make treats. These buttery cookies can be cut in various shapes and decorated with royal icing to make them even more colorful and festive. They also make perfect gifts for any occasion. When properly packed, sugar cookies can survive the rigors of shipping. The key is to provide…

Apart from being sweet and delicious, the papaya is also one of the most nutritious fruits around. It is especially rich in dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, C, and E. It also contains small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. It is also very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes, very high…

Fruit-drying is a common method of preserving fruits that have been used for thousand of years. By removing water from the fruits, their shelf life can be lengthened by preventing the growth of bacteria. Thus, fruits can be consumed even outside of their peak season. Drying preserves much of the original flavor and nutrient content…

Homemade marshmallows make great all-occasion gifts. They are easy to prepare (here’s a great recipe!) and can be infused with all sorts of flavors from the popular vanilla to the sophisticated lavender or decadent chocolate. They are light-weight and, if properly prepared, can stay fresh for a long time, making them perfect for shipping. Because…

There’s nothing quite as special as receiving exotic fruits such as figs. While they also taste great when eaten fresh, figs are commonly available in the dried or processed form (jams and chutneys) because they do not keep long. Ripe figs do not transport well, and once picked from the tree, do not keep well….

Sausage making is a popular technique to preserve meats. In fact, almost every country has a traditional way of preparing sausages. Curing, drying or smoking can be used to lengthen the shelf life of sausages. However, there are also fresh sausages or those made from meats that have not been previously cured, hence, they must…

Honey is known as a natural sweetener that nourishes the body and promotes good health. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial enzymes, honey is said to boost the immune system, aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of heart disease when taken internally as part of the diet. Honey is also used as an…

Chili peppers are one of the most popular spices in the world. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, flavors and heat intensity. They have been a part of the human diet in the Americas since at least 7500 BC.  Today, chili peppers are indispensable ingredient to many dishes. Many varieties of chili…

Baked goodies can be a heart warming gift. They can also be a good source of extra income among stay-at-home moms. However, the highly perishable nature of these food items has made many home bakers hesitant to ship their goodies to family, friends or customers from far away places for fear that the they might…

Truffles, the fungi and not the chocolate treats, are highly prized food items. They are held in high esteem in Middle Eastern, French, Spanish, Italian and Greek cooking because of the exotic flavor they give to dishes. They grow underground, usually under trees known for hosting them. Truffles come in different varieties, all of which…

Many people are starting to make their own pasta as they prefer the taste and texture of homemade pasta over the commercially available ones. Some even make pasta-making a lucrative home business. Homemade pasta can be easily and safely shipped elsewhere as long as you follow certain precautions. For one, they must be shipped in…

Apples, just like any other fruit, can rot and get bruised during transit if they are improperly packed. If you are planning to ship fruits from your backyard apple tree to friends or loved ones elsewhere, here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship apples to ensure that they arrive in the…

There’s nothing worse for a coffee lover to drink stale coffee! So if you are planning to send some high-quality coffee beans to loved ones or buyers far away, here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship coffee beans to ensure that your coffee beans remain fresh and arrive in excellent condition….

Commercially-available dog treats are usually made from fillers and synthetic products that may do more harm than good to dogs.  More often than not, these treats are laden with preservatives to prolong their shelf life but could pose health hazards to animals. These are some of the reasons why an increasing number of dog lovers…